Russia and Brazil spat erupts over Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine snub Toggle share menu Advertisement Russia and Brazil spat erupts over Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine snub The Russian Sputnik V vaccine has been approved for use in at least 60 countries, including more than 10 in Latin and Central America. (Photo: AFP/Jorge Bernal) 30 Apr 2021 05:15AM (Updated: 30 Apr 2021 07:11AM) Share this content Bookmark BRASILIA: Brazil's health regulator said on Thursday (Apr 29) its decision to reject the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine was based on the developer's own data, after the latter threatened to sue for defamation. Brazilian regulators' decision on Monday to deny emergency use authorisation for the vaccine has blown up into an all-out international row, with Sputnik V's makers accusing them of "knowingly spreading false and inaccurate information" without testing the vaccine themselves.